DAY  BY  DAY 
Paul  Green 


THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINA 
AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


THE  COLLECTION  OF 
NORTH  CAROLINIANA 


Cp8l2 

G79dl 


Cp  VIS' 
67  qjl 

DAY  BY  DAY* 

A  Comedy  of  Farm  Life 

by 

Paul  Green 


t 

V 


Issued,  by 

Dept*  of  Rural  Social  Organization, 
N.  Y.  State  College  of  Agriculture, 
Cornell  University,  Ithaca,  N,  Y, 


This  play  may  be  produced  free  of  royalty  in 
New  York  State,  but  permission  to  present  must  be  se¬ 
cured  from  the  above  Department, 

If  additional  copies  are  desired  they  may  be 
obtained  for  15£ 


The  fullest  possibilities  of 
playing  it  slowly. 


this  play  only  can  be  brought  out  by 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
University  of  North  Carolina  at  Chapel  Hill 


https://archive.org/details/daybydaycomedyofOOgree 


IME  -  The  present,  a  winter  evening 
LACE  -  On  a  farm  in  the  North. 


Characters 


George  Harris,  a  farmer,  past  middle  age. 
Mrs* * *  Harris,  his  wife. 

Jane,  their  daughter,  about  seventeen# 
M^ry,  her  sister,  about  eight  or  ten* 

Zeb  Aiken,  a  neighbor  boy,  nineteen. 


•he  SCENE  is  laid  in  the  sitting  room  of  the  Harris  home*  At  the 
jft  center  a  door  leads  into  a  bed-room*  A  table  with  a  lighted 
imp  on  it  is  near  the  left  rear.  At  the  left-center  back  is  a  sofa, 
door  in  the  rear  center  leads  into  the  hall.  To  the  right  of  the 
>or  is  a  chest,  and  near  the  right  center  is  a  heater  with  a  fire  &q- 
ig.  ;A  rocking  chair  and  several  straight  chairs  are  in  the  room.) 


to  front  door 


door 

to 

hall 


i 


i 


' chest  * 

* _ i 


o  chair 


O.rHeater 


o  c  h  i  i  r 


o  chair 


to  the  kitchen 

i  i 

’ sofa 1 

i _ i 


table' 
with'  o 
lamp* 


0 

rocking  chair 


door  to  bedroom 


w 

N 


Foot  lights 


1. 


(When  the  curtain  rises,  George  Harris  comes  in  at  the  rear 
wiping  his  beard  with  a  large  blue  and  white  striped  handkerchief. 

He  is  a  thick-set  man  past  middle  age,  dressed  in  overalls  and  heavy- 
shoes,  with  raggedly  combed  hair.) 


HARRIS  -  (Picking  his  teeth  and  calling  back  over  his  shoulder.) 
That  was  a  good  supper,  Mai  (He  closes  the  door  behind  him,  comes 
up  to  the  stove  and  puts  in  more  wood#  Then  he  sits  down  and  leans 
back  in  his  chair.  After  a  moment  he  takes  off  his  shoes  and  sets 
them  to  the  left  of  the  stove  and  begins  warming  his  feet.  He  calls.) 
Hey,  Mary,  fetch  my  pipe  and  tobacco  1 

MARY  -  (From  another  room)  All  right  1 

(He  stretches  his  arms  and  yawns*  Mary  comes  in  at  the  rear 
and  hands  him  his  pipe  and  tobacco.) 

MARY  -  Here  it  is,  father. 

(She  is  a  slender  mischievous  girl  of  ten  with  her  hair  in  pig¬ 
tails  down  her  back.) 

HARRIS  -  Ask  your  ma  what  mail  come.  And  tell  her  and  Jane  to 
hurry  out  of  that  kitchen.  They’ll  ketch  their  death  of  cold. 

MARY  -  (Going  out)  They're  coming  right  in. 

(He  lights  his  pipe  and  puffs  contentedly.  Mary  comas  back  in 
with  a  newspaper) 


MARY  -  This  is  all  that  came  today. 


HARRIS  -  (Taking  the  paper)  Huh?  —  I  was  expecting  a  letter 
from  Sam  Wheeler  about  them  spotted  calves.  Gimme  my  specs  from  t  Ae 

table  there. 


(He  puts  on  his  spectacles  and  becomes  absorbed  in 
Mary  goes  out  at  the  left.  Mrs.  Harris  comes  in  at  the 
darning  basket  and  socks.  Mr.  Harris  mechanically  make -3 
her.  She  sits  down  and  begins  threading  her  needle.; 


reading, 
left  with 
room  for 


a 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  (After  a  moment)  George,  I  wish  you’d  speak  to 
Jane.  I’m  worried  about  her  more  than  ever. 


HARRIS  -  Ain’t  them  Germans  and  French  having  a 
in— in—  (Looking  closely  at  the  page)  What  a  name! 
that  don't  make  sense.  Is  that  a  city  or  what  is  ib 
ing  himself.)  Did  you  say  something  to  me. 


devil  of  a  mess 

R-U-H-R — - - 

Ma?  (Recollect- 


MRS  HARRIS  -  I  want  you  to  have  a  long  talk  with  Jane, 
comes  in' with  a  pasteboard  box  scissors,  and  a  magazine  and 
the  floor  cutting  paper  dolls.)  I  tried  to  talk  wuh  h_ 


(Mary 
sits  on 
the 


lichen  a  minute  ago  Lout  her  health,  but  sne  wouldn’t  tell  rne  any- 


2. 


thing.  Continues  making  excuses  as  usual* 

HARRIS  -  Hah!  —  Oh,  yes  I  will.  Call  her  in.  (He  buries 
himself  in  the  paper. 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Jane!  —  Janie! 

JANE  -  (From  the  room  at  the  left.)  Yes’m! 

MRS,  HARRIS  -  Come  here,  your  fatner  wants  you.  (Harris  clears 
his  throat  ominously,  then  goes  on  reading.  Jane  comes  in  at  the 
left.  Her  hair  is  down  her  back  and  she  has  hairpins  in  her  mouth. 

She  is  a  rather  pretty  girl  of  seventeen.  There  is  a  tired  nervous 

expression  on  her  face  that  now  and  then  gives  way  to  a  touch  of 
jollity. )  * 

JANE  -  What  is  it,  father? 

HARRIS  -  (Absent-mindedly)  What  is  what?  —  Oh,  Jane,  your 
Ma  and  me  wants  to  know  what’s  the  matter  with  you  lately.  You’re 

getting  as  pale  as  a  ghost,  and  if  you  go  on  the  next  month  the  way 

you  have  this  you  won’t  cast  a  shadow  you’ll  be  so  thin.  Now  look 
here,  what’s  the  matter?  Are  you  sick  or  what  ails  you? 

JANE  -  (Nervously)  Pshaw!  I  want  you  and  Mother  to  quit 
bothering  about  me.  There’s  nothing  in  the  world  wrong  with  me.  I 
jfeel  fine. 

HARRIS  -  Feel  fine!  You  don’t  eat  no  more’n  a  kitten,  and  you 
drag  around  the  house  like  a  chilled  hen.  Four  weeks  ago  you  were 

rosy  and  healthy  as  you  please.  You  were  plump  and - 

JANE  -  That’s  just  it  —  plump!  You're  always  teasing  me,  all 
of  you,  about  getting  fat! 

HARRIS  -  Fat!  You  were  just  a  purty  size.  And  now  look  at 
you,  poor  as  a  winter  crow! 

JANE  -  (With  tears  in  her.  eyes)  I  —  I  won’t  be  fat  and  look 
like  a  squashy  bag,  I  won’t!  And  there’s  nothing  wrong  with  me, 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Soothingly)  Don't  mind,  Janie.  Go  on  back.to 

your  dressing.  Now,  George,  let  her  alone.  She'll  get  all  righu. 

(Jane  goes  back  into  the  room,  closing  the  door  behind  her.) 

HARRIS  -  Now  —  what  do  you  think  of  that!  Ask  me  to  repri 
repri--to  bawl  her  out,  and  then  hush  me  up. 

(He; turns  disgastedly  to  the  paper.) 

MRS.  HARRIS  —  I  suppose  it's  not  a  suitable  time  to  talk  to  he^ 
now.  She's  got  a  reason  for  not  telling  us  just  yet,  I  guess. 


(He  does  not  hear  her.) 


HARRIS  -  (Exploding)  I  be 

astonishment.)  Why,  I’ve  knows!  Dick 

MRS.  HARRIS  —  What’s  happened  to 

HARRIS  —  No  siree.  He’s  cured, 
this  man  Cou — Cou — 


dura!  Listen,  Ma.  —  (in 
Harper  all  my  life. 

him?  Is  he  dead  or  something? 

There's  a  large  headline  about 


MARY  -  The  teacher  says  it's  Coue. 

HARRIS  -  Yeh — Couah,  Well,  Dick’s  gone  and  got  cured  of  his 
St.  Vitus  Dance,  Says  so  right  here.  (Thumping  the  paper  with  his 
f inger , ) 


MRS,  HARRIS  -  What  Will  happen  next!  I  bet  Dick’s  a  glad  man 

now. 


HARRIS  -  Of  course  he  is.  The  last  time  I  saw  him  he  had  it  so 
bad  he  couldn't  follow  a  furrow.  That  Cou-Couah  man  must  be  a 
meracle  worker. 

MARY  -  Joe  Turner's  mother’s  been  practicing  it,  and  Joe  says 
she's  took  off  fifty  pounds  or  more  in  the  last  eight  weeks, 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  I'm  afraid  Joe's  stretching  his  thinking  cap. 

HARRIS  -  Nellie  Turner!  Had  she  got  down  to  that  too?  The 
next  thing  I  know  some  of  my  own  family  will  be  doing  it.  I  don't 
believe  in  —  (He  stops,  suddenly  halted  by  a  thought.  He  turns 
quickly  to  Mrs,  Harris.)  Say,  you  don't  think  Jane  -■*-  Jane  could  be 
fooling  with  this  stuff,  do  you? 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  I'd  never  thought  of  that.  Mary,  has  she  said 
anything  to  you  about  it?  (Mary  doesn't  answer,) 

HARRIS  -  Answer  your  ma,  has  she? 

MARY  -  She  told  me  not  to  tell* 


HARRIS  -  I  be  drot! 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Now  George,  don’t  be  upset!  (To  Mary)  When  did 
you  find  it  out?  N 

MARY  -  I  heard  her  talking  to  that  Dago  woman  yesterday  about 
it.  And  when  she  found  out  I  had  heard  she  asked  me  not  to  diet  any¬ 
body  know.  And  now  you — you’ve  pulled  it  out  of  me, 

HARRIS  -  (Starting  to  rise)  I’ll  go  have  it  out  with  her 
right  now,  —  Jane! 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Don’t  now,  George.  She's  nervous  and  tired 
out.  Tomorrow  we'll  have  a  long  sensible  talk  with  her.  Please 
sit  down  and  finish  your  paper. 


I 


•  - 


. 


HARRIS  -  I  won’t  read  another  word  in  it.  (He  throws  it  from 
him)  The  Standard*  s  getting  rotten.  Every  day  it  has  the  front  pa? 
smeared  with  this  auter- suggest  ion  trash.  It's  Cou-Couah  this  and 
Couah  that.  From  the  noise  they  make  over  him  he  rnignt  be  Jupitei’ 
hisself.  And  the  'whole  thing*  3  witchcraft  and  sleight  of  hand  and 
charms,  and  the  like.  A  child  of  man  shan’t  fool  with  the  stuff. 
What  sort  of  medicine  do  the  people  take  anyhow? 

MARY  -  You  don’t  take  any  medicine  or  anything.  Just  make  up 
your  mind,  if  you  are  sick,  and  say  ’’Every  day  in  every  way” - 


HARRIS  -  Shut  up  that  foolishness.  — 

MRS.  KARRIS  -  There  might  be  something  in  it,  mayo 


HARRIS  -  There  might- eh?  Well,  we'd  better  try  it  on  the  next 
cow  that  gets  sick.  (He  sits  down  puffs  his  pipe  in  a  semi- sullen 
silence.)  I'll  talk  to  Jane,  and  when  I’ve  done  it,  she’ll  know  it* 
Why  the  child's  crazy!  Fat!  ah  — 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  Mary,  it's  time  for  you  to  be  at  your  lessons* 
MARY  -  All  right.  Mother.  Let  me  stick  this  soldier's  leg  on. 


HARRIS  -  The  paper  said  they  would  have  Dick's  picture 
January  —  sometime,  I  don't  remember  the  particular  date, 
around  him  for  the  paper.  Showing  a  bit  of  embarrassment, 
moment,)  Mary,  hand  me  that  paper,  will  you? 


in  it  on 


He 


( 

After  a 


MARY  -  You  said  you  weren't  going  to  — 

HARRIS  -  (with  a  blustering  look)  Little  girls  sometimes  say 
too  much.  (She  hands  him  the  paper  and  sits  back  on  the  floor*) 
Here  it  is  -  next  Sunday  that  is.  It'll  be  the  first  time  Dick 
Harper's  ever  been  in  the  paper*  And  if  it  was  me,  I'd  hope  it  was 
my  last  —  me  putting  my  hopes  in  a  witch  doctor! 


MRS,  HARRIS  -  Don' t  you  cut  up  anything  worth  while  in  that 
Home  Journal,  Mary. 

MARY  -  (Turning  the  sheet  she  is  cutting)  There's  nothing  on 
the  back  except  something  about  making  cheap  wedding  dresses  and 
such.  (There  is  silence  for  a  moment.  Mrs.  Harris  darns  a/way, 

Mary  works  at  her  dolls,  and  Mr.  Harris  is  once  more  reading  the 
paper. ) 

MRS,  HARRIS  -  All  right,  Mary,  you've  played  enough.  Get  your 
lessons  now* 

Mary  -  (After  a  moment)  Mother,  I  know  something  else  wrong 
with  Jane  too. 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Well,  for  the  land  sake's  tell  me.  What  is  it? 


MARY  -  She's  got  a  sweetheart. 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  A  sweetheart  1 

HARRIS  -  (Lowering  his  paper)  Who's  -zot  a  sweetheart! 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Sh - h - h!  (As  Jane  comes  in.  She  is  holding 

•  crumpled  blue  sash.) 

JANE  -  Just  lock  here,  will  you?  I  found  my  new  sash  all 
rammed  down  in  the  drawer  with  a  lot  of  doll  clothes  and  trash. 

Mary  is  suddenly  busy  with  her  scissors)  I  want  you  to  make  Mary  let 
ly  things  alone.  Oh — look  what  you1 re  doing!  (She  runs  across  the 
■oom  and  snatches  the  Journal  from  Mary’s  hand,  (To  Mrs.  Harris) 

;he’s  cut  up  the  very  page  I  was  saving. 

MARY  -  It’s  not  so.  There’s  nothing  on  it  but  something  about 
Md  weddings# 


JANE  -  And  I  wanted  to  keep  it  for  a  special  purpose.  (She 
'links  back  the  angry  tears  and  goes  out  at  the  left,  slamming  the 
loor  behind  her.) 

HARRIS  -  (Turning  around)  What  in  the  dickens  can  ail  that 
gi rl l  If  that  Couah  mess  is  going  to  set  her  by  the  ear  like  that, 

‘d  like  to  see  them  ship  him  back  to  France  where  he  come  from, 
.Reading  again)  From  what  it  says  here  they’re  having  trouble  there 
>ver  this  Sighky  (Siki)  Carpenter  (Carpsntier)  boxing  business.  I 
lever  saw  a  Frenchman  yet  that  wasn't  either  in  trouble  or  a-causing 
; rouble, , 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Looking  strictly  at  Mary)  I’ve  told  you  before 
ibout  bothering  Jane’s  clothes.  You  worry  her  too  much,  do  you  hear? 


MARY  -  (Meekly)  Yes’m. 

HARRIS  -  Your  rna’ s  telling  you  the  gospel  truth,  Mary.  You 
jester  the  life  out  of  that  poor  child. 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  I'm  serious,  Mary, 
md  now  she’ll  have  to  wear  her  white 
lot  tonight. 


You've  crumpled  her  blue  sash, 
dress  or  something  else  like  as 


HARRIS  -  What’s  she  dressing  up  for? 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Patiently)  Now — it’s  all  right.  Zeb1  s  coming 
ever  for  a  while. 


MARY  -  I  knew  she  had  a  sweetheart. 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  Be  quiet.  Can’t  a  boy  come  to  see  a  girl  once  ar 
twice  and  they  not  be  sweethearts! 


HARRIS  -  Zeb  Aiken — eh?  (Laughing)  He  ain’t 
months.  That  boy’s  as  awkward  as  a  baby  calf,  and 
worse’ll  a  freezing  sheep# 


been  here  in 
stutter!  — 


thre  £ 


6. 


MBS*  HARRIS  —  That's  nothing  against  him* 

HARRIS  -  Well,  I'm  glad  it's  not  that  Joe  Wood  from  town  that 
was  here,  last  week*  I  don't  like  him. 

MRS*  HARRIS  -  And  Jane  don't  either.  It  was  year  fault  that 
Zeb  never  has  been  back  since  that  one  time.  You  sat  and  talked  to 
him  the  whole  two  hours  he  was  here  and  kept  the  poor  boy  embarrassed 
He  and  Jane  didn't  have  more  than  three  words  together, 

HARRIS  -  Great  Scott J  I  thought  he’d  come  to  see  all  of  us, 
and  I  wanted  to  explain  to  him  all  about  that  new  f angled  reaper 
that's  come  out.  How  should  I  know  that  they'd  want  to  be  courting 
and  it  the  second  or  third  time  he'd  ever  put  foot  in  this  housel 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  When  he  comes  tonight,  we  must  leave  them  alone. 

HARRIS  -  I  will,  and  don't  you  forget  it.  I  never  was  one  to 
hang  around  where  I  weren't  wanted.  (Mary  goes  to  the  chest  at  the 
rear  for  a  magazine.  He  lowers  his  voice.)  But  see  here,  Ma,  I 
don't  want  them  two  to  get  all  tangled  up  in  love.  Why,  Jane's  just 
seventeen* 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  The  age  don't  matter  so  much. 

HARRIS  ~  You  don't  mean  you  want  her  to  get  lit  up  on  marrying 
notions  with  stuttering  Zeb  Aiken, 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Stuttering  ain't  a  hanging  crime.  And  Zeb  Aiken's 
a  nice  hard  working  boy.  Besides,  he's  intelligent  and  has  good 
ideas ♦ 

HARRIS  -  Yeh  —  I  suppose  so.  They  do  say  as  how  he's  a  much 
man  when.it  comes  to  wo  rk  * 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  I'm.  not  in  for  saying  there's  anything  serious 
between  them. 

MARY  -  Jane  got  a  letter  from  him  last  week. 

Harris  -  she  did! 

Mary  -  Zeb  said  in  his  letter  that  he  didn't  stutter  much  any 
more,  said  Mr.  Dick  Harper  had  taught  him  how  to  cure  himself, 

HARRIS  -  By  Jingsl  He's  been  doing  that  Couah  business  too. 

I'll  stake  my  hat  on  it. 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  Did  Jane  let  you  read  the  letter,  Mary? 

MARY  —  (in  confusion)  Wo — '  m,  I — I  found  it  in  the  bureau 
drawer— 


MRS*  HARRIS  -  That  will  do  from  you 
takes  the  scissors  and  papers  from,  her.) 


tonight.  (She  rises  and 


!  f  3  -1  «»  **  i  la  ifox.tf  need  3«t  Teven 


7- 


JANE  -  (Coming  in  dressed  up) 
cream,  Mary? 


Have  you  used  all  the  cold 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Hustling  Mary  along)  I  suppose  she  has.  Go 
get  your  books.  (Mary  goes  out)  I  think  there's  some  in  the  bottom 
drawer  of  the  dresser.  Seems  I  remember  seeing  some  there.  (She 
goes  back  to  her  sewing)  What  will  I  ever  do  with  that  child! 

| 

HARRIS  -  (Looking  over  his  spectacles)  All  dressed  out!  Beau 
coming? 

JANE  -  (Timidly)  Zeb's  coming — I — think. 


MRS*  HARRIS  -  He'll  be  here  in  a  little  while,  George.  We'd 
oetter  go  in  the  other  room. 

JANE  -  If  you  want  to  it'll  be  all  right*  I've  built  a  good 
fire  in  there  for  you. 

(Mary  comes  back  in  with  her  books.  She  goes  to  the  table  at 
the  left  of  the  room  and  begins  studying  apparently) 

HARRIS  -  (Lighting  his  pips  again.  Yes,  we'll  make  everything 
as  approp — appro-  (clearing  his  throat)  we'll  leave  you  alone  this 
time*  (He  goes  on  reading.  Jane  goes  out  at  the  rear.  There  is  a 
sound  of  sleighbells  outside.) 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  There's  Zeb  now!  Take  your  books  in  the  other 
room,  Mary.  George!  George! 


HARRIS  -  Hah 


MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Gathering  up  her  work) 
go  now. 

(Jane  comes  back  in  with  a  coffee  pot 
stove.  Then  she  goes  back  into  the  hall; 


Zeb's  outside 
which  she  sets 


Let '  s 


on  the 


HARRIS  -  (As  Mrs.  Harris  takes  tne  paper  from  him  and  oegino 
idying  the  room)  I'm  coming  as  soon  as  I  can  get  on  my  shoes. 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  (As  she  goes  out)  Hurry  up,  George. 

HARRIS  -  All  right.  I  ain’t  deef.  My  feet's  got  swelled 
itting  by  the  hot  stove.  ^ 

(Jane  is  heard  talking  to  Zeb  in  the  hall) 

JAKE  -  Corse  in,  I  bet  you're  chilled  through. 

ZEB  -  (Stamping  his  feet)  No,  I'm  all  warn  as  a  rsouse. 

JANE  -  Just  comeright  inhere  (Harris  ^es  artolentrf  f  ort 
lelps^off^irhil  clat!  Sbl  doesn' t  see  her  father  who  is  ben. 


. 


Sc 


down  beside  the  stove,  straining  at  his  shoes.  Zeb  lays  his  things 
on  the  chest)  Was  the  snow  very  deep  down  near  the  creek  place? 

ZEB  -  Purty  deep*  (He  is  a  strongly  built,  honest  boy,  awkward 

m  his  movements  and  dress.  His  clothes  are  somewhat  too  small  for 
him. ) 

JANE  -  Is  it  really  true  that  you  have  cured  yourself  of 
stuttering? 

HARRIS  -  Hey,  Zeb,  how  are  you? 

ZEB  -  I’m  well,  Mr.  Harris,  how  are  you? 

HARRIS  -  Fine — fine.  Except  my  back,  now  and  then  a  catch  in 
it.  Think  I’ll  try  some  new  medicine,  auter- suggestion.  Ever  try 
it? 

ZEB  -  (Nervously)  I — I  put  my  horse  under  a  shelter  out  there. 

HARRIS  -  Sure,  all  right.  Have  a  seat.  You  and  Jane’ll 
excuse  me  while  I  get  on  tnis  other  shoe,  (Zeb  sits  down  near  the 
stove  and  Jane,  after  an  embarrassed  look  or  two  at  Zeb,  goes  over 
to  the  sofa  and  begins  turning  through  a  book,  Mary  comes  in  at  the 
left.) 

MARY  -  Mother  wants  you.  Pa. 

HARRIS  -  (Finally  slipping  on  his  shoe)  Tell  her  I’ll  be 
right  along,  (He  lights  his  pipe) 

MARY  -  Heigho,  Zeb l 

ZEB  -  (Rising  and  shaking  the  hand  Mary  comes  across  the  room  to 
hold  out.)  Glad  to  see  you. 

MARY  -  Why  you  don’t  stammer  a  bit’. 

HARRIS  -  So  you  don’t  Zeb.  How  in  the  world  did  you  get  over 

it? 

ZEB  -  (Twisting  his  hands  nervously  and  now  and  then  looking 
beseechingly  towards  Jane)  I  found  out  about  it  when  Dick  Harper 
began  to  get  better. 

MARY  -  Did  you  say  the  day  by  day  verse? 

JANE  -  Mary,  you  shouldn’t  be  so  curious. 

ZEB  -  Yes,  about  a  mil- million  times. 

HARRIS  -  I  wouldn't  believe  my  own  eyes  and  ears  if  I  didn't 
have  to. . 

MRS.  HARRIS  -  (Calling  from  the  inner  room)  Mary!  Mary! 


•  • 

*• 


MARY  -  Pa,  she  wants  yon. 

HARRIS  -  Go  on  in,  I f  m  coming’,  (Mary  goes  out.  He  rises  and 
straightens  up  with  a  grunt.  Laughing.)  That  stuff  might  help  my 
back . 

ZEB  -  Yessir,  it  might.  (He  turns  to  the  fire  several  times* 

Mr.  Harris  starts  across  the  room.  Jane  and  Zeb  are  visably  en¬ 
couraged.  But  near  the  door  he  turns  and  comes  back  to  the  stove.) 

HARRIS  -  It  does  beat  the  world  how  you’ve  gone  and  fixed  your¬ 
self  % 

ZEB  -  (Speaking  slowly)  I’m  not  cured  altogether  yet.  Some¬ 
times  when  I  get  excited  I’m  as  bad  as  ever.  (There  is  a  long  pause, 
then  Harris  knocks  the  ashes  from  his  pipe  into  the  stove,  and  sits 
down,  Jane  in  despair  goes  out  at  the  left.) 

HARRIS  -  (Looking  around  the  room)  Say,  if  you’d  like  a  good 
job  of  helping  an  old  man  with  his  farm  —  I’m  needing  a  young  man 
to  sort  of  get  in  the  harness  after  me. 

ZEB  -  (impulsively)  Yen — you  mean?  - Well  —  (He  is  over¬ 

whelmed  and  begins  stuttering*  Harris  crosses  his  legs  and  takes  out 
his  pipe  and  tobacco.) 

HARRIS  -  Not  a  word  of  it  yet  to  anybody.  (Jane  comes  in.  He 
rises  and  stands  up)  You  can  be  thinking  about  it,  (Jane  takes  a 
magazine  from  the  table  and  goes  petulantly  to  the  sofa,  Mrs.  Harric 
comes  to. the  door.) 


MRS,  HARRIS  -  George,  Mary  wants  you  to  help  her  with  her 
lessons.  Good  evening,  Zeb. 


ZEB  -  Good  evening,  Mrs.  Harris.  (The  tone  of  his  wife’s 
voice  has  made  Harris  start  guiltily.  Mrs.  Harris  goes  oack  inoO 
the  room.) 

HARRIS  -  (Turning  at  the  door  as  he  lays  his  pipe  on  the  table.) 
Don't  you  children  let  the  fire  die  out,  (He  goes  out.  For  a 
moment  Zeb  stands  by  the  stove.) 


JANE  -  (Biting  her  lip)  Seems  that  you  and  Father  ought  not. 
to  have  stopped  talking. 

s. 

ZEB  -  Maybe  not.  —  Why,  what  you  mean?  (He  goes  oyer  and 
sits  on  the  end  of  the  sofa  with  a  good  distance  separating  him  ana 

Jane. ) 

JANE  -  You  and  he  started  out  just  the  way  you  did  tne  other 
time  you  were  here.  He'd  talked  a  long  time  if  Mother  hadn  t  coir. 

in# 

7FB  —  (Somewhat  "perplexed  but  pleased)  You  you-  (H^  begin- 
punching  his  tale  with  hi  fist)  wanted  him  to  leave  you  and  me 
alone?  (He  clears  his  throat.) 


— 


4. 


10. 


JANS  -  Yes,  I  did  —  (Huriedly)  No — no  not  that  exactly.  But- 
but  when  a  boy  comes  to  see  a  girl,  he’s  not  supposed  to  spend  a"!  1 
the  time  talking  to  her  father,  is  he? 

ZEB  -  (slowly)  That’s  right,  I  guess.  (They  look  at  each 
other  and  then  away  in  embarrassment.) 

JANE  -  (After  a  moment)  I  think  it’s  wonderful  that  you’ve 
been  able  to  control  yourself  the  way  you  have  about  stammering* 

ZEB  -  Please  don't  say  any  more  there*  I  almost  wish  I  hadn’t 
started  it*  Everybody  is  asking  me  about  it.  And  I  must  have  said 
that  motto  ten  million  times. 

JANE  -  It  does  take  a  lot  of  will  power,  don't  it? 

ZEB  -  Your  pa  ain’t  so  bad  is  he?  I  made  up  my  mind  I  wouldn’t 
come  here  again  till  I  had  got  over  some  of  rny  awkwardness  and  such* 
And  now  he  treats  me  as  kind  as  you  please* 


JANE  -  He  barks  a  lot.  - - (Silence)  I  suppose  now  you'll  be 

thinking  of  going  off  somewhere  to  study  law  or  do  something  differen* 
from  farming,  won't  you? 

ZEB  -  (Without  any  enthusiasm)  I  had  been  thinking  about  it* 
That  poetry  in  your  letter  made  me  say  that  you  were  above  staying 
around  a  farm  all  your  life.  (He  thumps  his  knee  absently) 

:  JANE  -  (A  little  proudly)  I  thought  you’d  have  ideas  of  going 

off,  maybe. 

ZEB  -  Now  that  everybody  has  seen  how  I  am  getting  on,  you  tell 
me  what  that  surprise  is  you  have  for  me. 


JANE  -  (somewhat  dismayed)  Haven’t  you  noticed  it? 


ZEB  -  (Looking  around  the  room)  No,  I  haven't, 
in  your  letter  that  you  had  a  great  surprise  for  me. 
surely  been  up* 


You  said 
My  curiosity's 

I 


JANE  -  (Naively)  I’ve  been  doing  auto-suggestion  too*  | 

ZEB  -  You  have'.  What  in  the  world  for?  There  never  has  been! 
anything  wrong  with  you. 


N 

JANE  -  I’ve  lost  twelve  pounds* 


ZEB  -  You  been  sick?  You  do  look  paler  and  thinner,  not  quite 
as  well  as  you  did  last  ti.-.e* 


JANE  -  (Wrathfully)  I  don't? 

ZEB  -  Look  here,  have  you  been  trying  to  reduce  your  weight? 
JANE  -  Who  wouldn' t  when  they  are  teased  forever  about  being 


fat? 


. 


11, 


ZEB  -  Who  called  you  fat? 

JANE  -  Father  has,  and  once  you  —  Well,  you  remember  that  time 
you  called  me  a  plump  partridge.  And  I  don’t  know  how  often  you’ve 
spoken  of  Elsie  Denning  and  how  slender  and  graceful  she  is* 

~  Was  Vecause  1  liked  Y°u  to  be  plump  that  I  called  you 
that.  And  for  Elsie  Denning  —  that  girl1  s.  head  is  empty,  Besides, 
she  has  a  beau  that  wears  rings  on  his  fingers,  (He  edges  closer.) 

JANE  -  (Swiftly)  And  me  starving  myself  to  death,  and  all  — 
to  -  to  please*  Anyway  a  nice  boy  wouldn't  speak  of  a  girl  as  a 
plump  partridge,  now! 


ZEB  —  Good  gracious!  I  haven’t  done  a  thing. 

JANE  -  (More  quickly)  It’s  all  right.  But  I  can’t  stand  the 
thought  of  getting  stout, 

ZEB  -  (Thumping  his  knee  again)  You  always  will  be  just  — 
just  right.  (They  look  at  each  other  and  smile,  When  she  turns 
away  her  eyes,  he  suddenly  leans  over  and  kisses  her  on  the  cheek* 
Then  as  if  afraid  of  what  he’s  done,  he  moves  away  from  her. 


JANE  -  (Ashamed  and  delighted)  Zeb  Aiken,  you’ve  insulted  me! 
ZEB  -  What! 


JANE  -  You  have,  You  took  advantage  of  me. 

ZEB  -  (Woefully)  My  Lord,  I  never  thought  you’d  take  it  like 
that.  Why — why —  (He  stutters  fearfully) 


JANE  -  Well,  I  did! 


(They  both  sit  without  speaking  a  moment.  Then  Zeb  wi  th 
decision  turns  to  Jane.) 


ZEB  —  Now  you  needn’t  fly  off  the  handle  at  me,  Jane,  you 
you  looked  at  me  so,  how  could  I  help  it.  And  I’m  going  to  have  it 
out  with  you.  Jane,  I— (He  stutters  at  the  wrong  time  again*  He 
reaches  out  and  pulls  her  to  him.  She  starts  to  yield,  when  she 
sees  Mary  come  in  at  the  left.  She  tries  to  push  Zeb  away 


from  her 


MARY  -  Father  told  me  to  —  My  land,  what  you  two  fighting  abou^ 
(Zeb  drops  his  hands  and  begins  brushing  his  cuffs,  trousers,  shoes, 

and  coat  collar.) 


JANE  -  (Smothering  her  hair  back  nervously)  What  do  you  want, 

Mary? 

MARY  -  (Looking  at  Zeb  steadily)  Pa  wants  his  pipe. 

JUHE  -  You'd  better  hurry  back  then.  (Nevertheless  Mary  come.; 
and  perches  herself  on  the  sofa  beside  Zeb.) 


12, 


MARY  -  I'm  going  to  stay  a  minute,  (Zeb  adjusts  his  necktie 
ind  sits  calm)  What  were  you  ^nd  Jane  doing? 

JANE  -  (Stirring  uneasily)  Stop  asking  such  questions,  Mary. 

MARY  -  What  were  you  doing? 

ZEB  -  Oh - nothing-— just  a  —  a  game  —  "Catch  me  if  you  canM 

or  something. 

MARY  -  It  wasn’t  any  game.  You  were  trying  to  k — kiss — 

JANE  -  (Reaching  across  and  stopping  her  mouth  with  her  hand). 
Hush,  Mary,  or  I’ll  call  Mother, 

MARY  -  Yes,  and  1*11  tell  her  something  too. 

JANE  -  (Smiling  weakly)  Mary,  if  you’ll  go  back  now  I’ll  give 
you  a  nice  gift. 

\ 

MARY  -  What! 


JANE  -  I’ll  gbt  you  a  bag  of  fruit  in  town  or  some  ribbon* 
iomething  real  nice, 

MARY  -  (To  Zeb)  You  brought  me  a  great  big  orange  tnat  other 
;ime  you  came, 

ZEB  -  I’m  sorry,  I  for  yt  to  bring  anything  this  time.  But 
:’ll  get  you  something  too. 

MARY  -  Joe  Wood  brought  me  a  box  of  candy. 

JANE  -  (Scenting  trouble)  Father  needs  his  pips  nov. 

ZEB  -  (As  Mary  makes  no  move  to  go)  He  did,  eh?  ^Teasin0l>) 

[  don’t  know  him.  Is  he  your  sweetheart? 

MARY  -  No,  he  comes  to  see  Jane, 

JANE  -  (With  a  suffocating  movement)  Mary! 

ZEB  -  (His  face  hardening  slightly)  I  =>e-. 

MARY  -  He  works  in  a  store _ and  brought  me  the  *^st^  ^ 
hitman’s  candy.  (Half  whispering  oo  Zeb)  A^a 

lavaliere.  N 

u  it  And  he’s  never  been  to 

JANE  -  It’s  not  true.  He  lef.  it  u.r_, 

see  me  but  twice. 

ZEB  -  I’m  not  acquainted  with  the  gentleman, 

mm  -  I  bought  some  cloth  *1® wsetest  shirt-mists  and  the 

to  see  her.  I've  made  her  soma  of  the 


. 


J 


13* 

utest  underwear!  - 

JANE  -  (Jumping  up)  Mary,  you  are  nor  nice.  (She  goes  to  the 

.oor  ♦  ; 

ZEB  -  I  was  about  to  forget,  Mary,  I  do  have  a  box  of  candy  in 
ly  overcoat.  You  may  have  it. 

(Jane  shakes  her  head  defiantly  and  calls) 

JANE  -  Father!  Mary’s  misbehaving.  I  wish  you’d  call  her, 

MARY  -  (Taking  the  candy  from  Zeb)  Goody!  Thank  you,  Zeb, 

She  picks  up  the  pipe  and  starts  out  when  Harris  comes  in  barefooted, 
ith  his  shirt  hanging  out  behind.  Jane  goes  and  sits  suddenly  with 
ightening  lips  on  the  sofa.) 

HARRIS  -  (At  the  door)  Come  on,  where1  s  my  pipe?  (Mary  hands 
t  to  him  then  she  opens  the  box  of  candy  and  begins  eating.)  Zeb, 
guess  my  back  won’t  have  a  chance  at  your  medicine.  Ma  says  if  I 
ake  that  stuff  in  preference  to  her  rubbing,  she’ll  let  me  take  the 
onsequences.  Sh3  says  it’s  foolishness*  Maybe  so*  (To  Mary  who 
s  waiting)  I  want  to  know  why  you’re  so  much  interested  in  this 
ooml  Time  you  were  in  bed  right  this  minute.  (He  leads  her  out  and 
loses  the  door  behind  them.  Zeb  goes  and  sits  glumly  in  a  chair 
ear  the  table*  Jane  rises  and  stirs  the  hot  chocolate  on  the  stove* 
Then  she  sits  back  down.) 

JANE  -  (With  the  hint  of  a  sob  in  her  throat)  Who  ever  saw 
uch  a  mess! 

ZEB  -  Yes,  it’s  a  mess  all  right  enough. 

JANE  -  I  wonder — wonder  if  when  you’ve  got  a  —  a  family  you’ll 
ome  in  with  your  shoes  off  and  your  —  your  shirt  hanging  outt 

ZEB  -  I  wasn’t  thinking  about  that.  There's  nothing  wrong  in 
aving  your  shoes  off  and  your  shirt  out  if  you  want  it. 


JANE  -  There  isn't?  We"  1 - 


ZEB  -  And  you  needn’t  talk  to  me  about  a  family.  I’ll  never 
ave  any  such  hung  to  me,  I’m  never,  never  going  to  marry* 

JANE  -  Why  not? 


ZEB  -  Because 
gars,  drive  fast 


I ’ m  not » 
cars 


I'm  going  to  live  by  myself,  smoke  long 


—  do  no  telling  what.  (Turning  fiercely 
)0n  her)  So  you've  got  a  beau!  —  a  regular  town  guy  that  can  give 
>u  1  aval i ere s  and  thi  like,  and  keep  his  hair  slick  with  oil  - 
ive  you?  (Bitterly)  I  bet 


CJLIL'JL  IV  xx  -x. 

he  wouldn't  know  a  cow  from  a  camel. 


JAHE  -  (Hotly)  He'S  not  my  beau.  But  if  he  was,  you  wouldn't 
ive  any  right  to  talk  about  him  the  way  you  do. 


ZEB  -  Oh,  well -  (Throwing  out  his  hands)  I  had  a  box 


' 


f  candy  for  you,  and  Mary’s  got  it  now.  But  that  Joe  fellow’ll 
oub^less  keep  you  supplied  with  candy « 

JANE  -  (With  her  chin  in  her  hand)  You  can  abuse  him  if  you 
lease,  but  he  never  did  take  advantage  of  me  and  kiss  me  the  way  you 
id,  just  as  if  I  was  —  was  used  to  it, 

ZEB  -(Coming  over  to  the  sofa)  Don’t  talk  like  that,  I 
ouldn  t  mistreat  you  for  the  world,  and  you  know  I  wouldn’t, 

JANE  -  (Wiping  the  tears  from  her  eyes)  Perhaps  you  kiss 
lsie  Denning  that  way  and  carry  on  with  other  girls. 

ZEB  -  You  stop  accusing  me  like  that,  Jane.  I  —  I  —  (He 
hammers ) 

JANE  -  You  certainly  have  changed  a  great  deal  since  you  took 
ip  that  self-mastery  business.  Now  you’ll  be  going  off,  your  head 
n  the  air,  a  smooth  talker  and  a  man  of  influence  some  day. 

i 

ZEB  -  And  look  how  you’ ve  changed!  (Roughly)  Got  a  sporty 
allow  that  thinks  a  farrow’s  a  furrow  and  himself  the  Lord  Almighty 
•iding  in  a  Ford.  And  you  —  look  at  you!  —  trying  to  make  your- 
islf  look  like  a  yardstick,  all  length  and  no  thickness.  (He  beats 
ixs  knees  in  anger.  Thus  they  sit  staring  out  before  them.) 

JANE  -  I  could  tell  you  a  lot  of  things,  Zeb  Aiken,  but  I 
fcn’ti  (After  a  moment)  T  wish  you  were  the  Zeb  I  knew  before  you 
;ot  all  these  foolish  ideas  in  your  head.  I  liked  your  bit  of 
hammering,  myself. 

ZEB  -  I  am  the  same,  —  (With  fervor)  And  I  wish  you  were  the^ 
ane  Harris  I  came  five  miles  in  the  snowdrifts  to  see,  X  do  that  ail 

ight. 

JANE  -  Why? 

ZEB  -  I  ask  you  why. 

JANE  -  I  just  liked  you  better  then, 

ZEB  -  And  I  liked  you  better  then.  (There  is  another  long 
iuse  and  staring, ) 

JANE  -  Well,  we're  quits* 

zeb  -  (Gloomily)  That's  just  it,  quits,  (After  a  moment) 
ien’  s  the  day  to  be? 

JANE  -  What  day? 

ZEB  -  Yours  and  that  Joe  person  married,  I  m.an, 

JANE  -  About  the  same  time  as  yours  and  Elsie's. 


J 


. 


ZEB  -  (Getting 
Elsie!  I  tell 
do  I 
It’s 


j  • 


care  for  her'.  (He 
a  long  ways  home. 


o  nP  and  striding  ov-^r  to  th 
you  I  wouldn't  toucff  he^  with 


si  e  l 


stove)  El: _ 

o^o  ^  •  -  a  ^en-foot  pole.  What 

?  Jr  t0  “ls  overcoat )  I*ii  be  ccoIpp' 
<E~  picks  up  his  scarf)  ^oing. 

JANE  —  (Getting  un)  T)nr 1  +  j  ,  , 

cocoa  for  you.  (She  comes  ud  b-hin^-Sg°Tyet‘  Vv3  mad3  some 
in  the  tray,  up  b-hlnd  him)  Just  wait  and  IfH  brinv 


ZEB 

I  will, 
whirls 


(Suddenly  she  rearh^0^0"  hiS  COat)  Than5c  you, 
around,  but  she  al  and  sclU3'3zes  his  hand. 

Did  you  catch  my  hand  like  that? ^  g°ne  throu?h  the  door  at  the  rear) 


I  guess 
lie 


light-up,  and^he^alksT  round  th’11  b®  risht  back‘  (His  face 
thought.  Ha  nods  his  head  with  an  "I?ll  dHt»S  ^  k233  in  de“p 

the  door.  Jane  comes  hart  i?  hurr*es  and  places  himself  just  inside 

and  saucers,  cream  L-ar  cSoM  *  tray'  with  naPkina>  cups 

table  at  the  left.  5  °  ’  cooki.s  and  spoons.  She  starts  to  the 


JANE  -  Where  are  you,  Zeb? 

,Z?L~  behind  her)  Wait  a  minute. 


I’ve  got  some- 


get”! t  ^rta,(H Jpu^s1!  i°Ud  “T6  >Vhile  y°Ur  handS  busy'  I  can 
ff__  _  °j  ‘  (He,Puts  a  ^‘and  on  her  shoulder.  She  waits)  Jane  I  — • 

,  .*•  ,  .  -*  wwal lowing  and  stammering)  I  do,  (H=»  null  q  hir  fn^n 

therewith  the  nthekiSST+  ksr*  -,She  lets  S°  the  tray  with  one  hand 
around  his  neck)*  ^  **  1S  h<3ld  UP  betwesn  them.  She  puts  her  arms 


JANE  -  Oh,  Zeb,  I  do  too.  (The  tray  falls  with  a  clatter  of 
rolling  dishes  to  the  floor)  Hurry,  hurry,  let  's  pick  up  these 
tnings.  (.They  both  get  down  on  their  knees  and  gather  up  the  dishes 
and  food*.  They  are  facing  each  other.  Jane  looks  up  as  they  work.) 
v/e  were  silly  to  quarrel  so,  weren't  we? 

ZEB  -  (Wiping  up  milk  with  his  handkerchief)  We  were  that, 

JANE  -  You  never  have  said  it, 

ZEB  -  (He  reaches  over  and  pulls  her  to  him.)  You  do,  don't 
you?  (She  nods  her  head)  And  you  will,  won't  you?  (Again  she 
nods) 


JANE  -  And  I'll  get  plump  again,  I  will. 

ZEB  -  And  I  don't  give  a  hang  how  much  I  stutter.  (They 
(lave  forgotten  and  they  are  still  on  their  knees*  He  pulls  her  to 
lim  and  kisses  her  again.  (The  door  opens  at  the  left,  and  Harris, 
in  his  undershirt  and  trousers,  followed  by  Mrs.  Harris  and  Mary  in 
ler  nightgown,  enters) 

HARRIS  -  (Sternly)  What  In  the  name  of  commonsense  are  you 
loing?  (They  spring  to  their  feet) 


,3G\t  ;« :•  f.v  (  iiittiuu*  #id  rfSiv  *Ii*  tju. -j.iiqin)  •  3SS 

. 


16. 


MARY  -  They’re  hugging,  and  praying! 

HARRIS  -  And  who  ever  heard  such  a  clatter  in  a  peaceful  man*  s 
ousel  And  look  at  the  spilled  milk! 

MRS*  HARRIS  -  Never  mind,  George*  Let  them  explain* 

ZEB  -  (As  Jane  turns  away  her  head)  Mrs,  Harris*  we — we-- 
.ren’t  we  Jane?  (He  takes  her  hand) 

JANE  -  (Raising  her  head)  Yes,  we  are, 

ZEB  -  We’ re  engaged, 

HARRIS  -  Well,  if  you  make  that  much  stir  getting  engaged 
jyhat ’  1 1  happen  when  you  get  married!  (Mrs,  Harris  goes  to  J^ine 
kisses  her  on  the  forehead  and  pats  her  back)  I’ll  shake  hands  with 
you,  Zeb. 

MARY  -  Does  that  mean  that  they’re  going  to  marry? 

MRS*  HARRIS  -  Yes,  and  you  must  go  to  bed, 

MARY  -  And  he’ll  be  my  brother,  won’t  he? 

HARRIS  -  Mother,  we’d  better  go  in.  This  is  no  place  for  us* 
Well,  old  Couah  ain’t  so  bad  after  all. 

MARY  -  Coue,  Papa,  ('They  start  out) 

HARRIS  -  (At  the  door)  Say,  Zeb,  you’d  better  go  out  and 
unharness  your  horse* 

CURTAIN* 


. 


( 


r  r’-f  ft 


f  •*;  i 
,j  j 


r 

( 


r 


4  4 


Q«^2_ou^..  c>2-<. 

^L,  [4/V  y^r^~- 

r€ct~  J^"5  (^ ,  %ZrV.  ^ 

sJlOv*-^  6-—  £>£*JIa4a6-  A/^-^aa-  ,'  £--v?  P  z/zaa^X.  C^Ao^aaIa 

f) 

Aaaz-a^jAaAl  CaSaZLaaJl)  7£*_  £<4aaJ  S-^7  C?*£i^  *'/ 

0  rAruXJL  "  n  '  — '  ■  » 


■^5 


£2-0  &~- 


Ttu^.  Aa-sJ.  .  ^VA,  ^Aa^S  /W*  $  ^  s^-ftAdtc^ 

&  F'  (^  fixruu)  jf. 


<Z7-x£l^&_  f 


3.  * 


/ 


C 


37d 


* 


<6 


^A. 


/ 


i~5~La^*~  cA**. 


(  C^tul 


dv— S3 


4  a>-4JU^<y 


' 


FOR  USE  ONLY  IN 


THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  COLLECTION 


